Head of Food Operations (Contractor)
The Coffee Cart Co is opening a new HQ concept in Hereford, a multi-zone destination combining specialty coffee, training, evening cocktails, and a refined, limited food offer.
We are now seeking a commercially minded, operationally strong Head of Food Operations (Contractor) to take full responsibility for food production and delivery across HQ.
This is not a consultancy role. This is a hands-on, commercially accountable leadership position.
The Role
You will take ownership of:
· The existing production kitchen supplying multi-site food output
· Stabilising and improving current production systems
· Delivering and embedding a limited, premium HQ food offer (including dessert-led / patisserie elements)
· Gross profit performance, portion control, waste management, and labour efficiency
· Food safety compliance, operational standards, and consistency
· Building systems that allow founders to step back from day-to-day food oversight
· You will work in partnership with the HQ General Manager, with clear operational accountability for food.
Financial Structure
Contractor engagement (self-employed or limited company)
Base retainer: £33,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Performance bonus: £3,000 – £5,000 per annum, linked to agreed KPIs
Total potential annual value: up to £38,000
Initial 12-month term with formal review points
The base retainer reflects operational responsibility for food production and delivery.
The performance bonus rewards margin discipline, operational stability, and successful founder handover.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking someone who:
· Has strong production kitchen or multi-site food leadership experience
· Understands GP control, portioning, yield, and margin management
· Can balance creativity with operational discipline
· Is commercially literate and comfortable working with systems
· Is confident taking ownership without daily supervision
· Thrives in a build-phase or growth environment
· Experience in patisserie, dessert-led concepts, or premium casual dining environments is highly advantageous.
Recruitment Timeline
Candidate screening and interviews commencing w/c 2nd March
Successful candidate expected to commence role w/c 30th March
We are keen to move decisively and appoint the right operator with clarity and momentum.
Expectations
· This is a senior operational contractor role
· On-site presence should reflect the responsibility of the position
· Clear KPIs and governance structure will be agreed
· Long-term evolution may be explored subject to performance
Why This Is Different
This is not a Head Chef role.
It is not a Kitchen Manager role.
It is a commercially accountable food leadership role with autonomy, structure, and long-term growth potential.
If you want to build something properly, not just run service, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: £33,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
* Do you hold a full, valid UK driving licence?
* Do you have the legal right to work in the UK?
Work Location: In person